Ministers propose voting changes for mayoral elections in English devolution bill

<p>After frustrations over losses to Reform, Labour wants to scrap first-past-the-post system brought in by Conservatives</p><p>Ministers are changing the voting system for mayoral elections in a move likely to make it harder for Reform politicians to take big regions like Lincolnshire and Hull as they did this year.</p><p>The changes are part of a new devolution bill, intended to bring a “radical reset to local government”, which will take further steps towards merging many district and county councils into unitary “strategic” authorities.</p><p>Giving the secretary of state powers to direct local authorities to reorganise into bigger unitary authorities where they are not making sufficient progress locally towards that goal.</p><p>Measures to make it easier for communities to take ownership of pubs, shops and social hubs through a new right to buy. It means communities will have the first opportunity to purchase local assets when they are put up for sale, and be given an extended 12-month period to raise funding.</p><p>Protections for more local sports grounds<strong> </strong>by introducing a new category to protect local sporting assets preserving local character, boosting tourism and keeping community spirit alive.</p><p>A ban on upward only rent reviews (UORR) clauses in commercial leases, which stop downward negotiations for rents for shops and other high street premises.</p><p>More power for mayors across England to speed up the development of new homes and infrastructure in their areas.</p><p>New licensing powers to govern rental e-bikes, neighboured plans and new planning powers for local authorities to set the direction of growth across their areas.</p><p>A new body called the Local Audit Office to keep on top of council spending and accounts.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jul/10/ministers-propose-voting-changes-for-mayoral-elections-in-devolution-bill">Continue reading...</a>